Review of:Johnny English (2003)
Director:Peter Howitt
Rating:PG for comic nudity, some crude humor and language
Starring:Rowan Atkinson, John Malkovich, Ben Miller, Natalie Imbruglia, Kevin McNally
When Agent Number One and the rest of the British Secret Service are put out of commission permanently the only man capable of stopping a French business magnate from succeeding in his plans to steal the crown jewels, and even more is Johnny English.
With his side kick Bough (Ben Miller) in tow Johnny English must fight to save the Crown Jewels, and restore the honor of the British Secret Service. High on desire, but low on his ability to succeed Johnny English provides a comedy that at times can bring tears.
In his role as agent Rowan Atkinson strikes a pose similar to the style of the Pink Panther films seemingly lost as to what is really going on around him, and incapable of doing the most menial tasks successfully. Call it a character role, but most of the films that I have seen the fabulous Mr. Atkinson play in have been of this ilk. He success at this niche comedy only seems to grow, and it is no different with this film.
Known the world over as the popular Mr. Bean Rowan Atkinson brings this newest character to full life. Mr. Atkinson has many of the same qualities that a younger Don Knotts had in many of his films. The small stature of the man is combined with a look of frailty, and topped off with eyes that serve only to make his physical countenance that much more funny.
The film Johnny English doesn’t move well on its own slipping on a plot that is so implausible that it is laughable. The saving grace of the film is Johnny English as you sit mesmerized by the comedy that stays on the clean side, but has you laughing just the same.
